Research and Development Specialist
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RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT SPECIALIST
FC: EF142 PC: 881
PB: 06 BU: 91
October 2000
Class specifications are intended to present a descriptive list of the range of duties performed by employees in the class. Specifications are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job.
DEFINITION
Performs a variety of duties in support of developing systems that improve performance and efficiency in District operations or otherwise enhance the District’s ability to fulfill BART’s Strategic Mission to provide safe, clean, reliable, and customer friendly regional public transit to the people of the San Francisco Bay Area; assesses technical feasibility of new research and development projects; and performs related duties as assigned.
CLASS CHARACTERISTICS
This single position class is responsible for researching advanced technology to develop, test and implement new systems to improve system performance and enhance the District’s ability to fulfill BART’s Mission Statement as defined in BART’s Strategic Plan. This class is distinguished from the Manager of Research and Development in that the latter has overall management responsibility for the division.
EXAMPLES OF DUTIES – Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:
1. Performs a variety of duties in support of developing advanced technology systems that improve public transportation in the San Francisco Bay Area; investigates and analyzes system related problems; proposes changes to system operations.
2. Performs technical analyses and evaluations; presents data; performs related administrative functions; writes technical reports and presentations.
3. Assesses technical feasibility of new research and development projects; defines subtasks, project milestones, scope, goals, and performance criteria.
4. Conducts cost/benefit analysis and productivity studies for long and short-term research and development projects; makes recommendations for project revisions.
5. Writes and tests software for data collection, and diagnostic and control applications, including engineering statistical programs.
6. Investigates and identifies sources of federal funding; monitors grant and funding opportunities.
7. Develops requests for proposals; identifies potential consultants; evaluates consultant qualifications and proposals; submits recommendations to management.
8. Develops guidelines and work directions for consultants; evaluates work performed by consultants.
9. Identifies potential application areas for artificial intelligence technologies or other advanced computing technologies; evaluates and makes recommended specifications on potential implementation into District operations.
10. Operates a variety of electronic test and measurement equipment including voltmeters, oscilloscopes, and related instruments.
11. Works in the field at times in support of system testing and data collection activities.
12. Participates in a variety of meetings including staff meetings, consultant reviews, and
meetings with project managers.
13. Attends and participates in group meetings; stays abreast of new trends and innovations in the field of transportation research and development.
14. Travels and attends meetings and conferences as required to remain technically current as well as to disseminate the results of research conducted.
QUALIFICATIONS
Knowledge of:
Operational characteristics of systems and equipment used in a transportation program.
Methods and techniques of evaluating system operating failures.
Basic principles of electrical engineering.
Current office procedures, methods and equipment including computers.
Software engineering practices including simulation and graphic software.
Principles of artificial intelligence applications.
Methods and techniques of programming project planning software.
Operational characteristics of electrical equipment and tools.
Related Federal, State, and local laws, codes, and regulations.
Skill in:
Performing a variety of system and operations analyses.
Operating a variety of electrical test equipment.
Working independently in the absence of supervision.
Programming computer software including engineering, artificial intelligence, and simulation programs.
Communicating clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
Operating office equipment including computers and supporting word processing and
spreadsheet applications.
Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Education:
A Bachelor’s degree in an engineering field from an accredited college or university.
Experience:
Three (3) years of (full-time equivalent) verifiable engineering experience.
Substitution:
Additional experience outlined above may be substituted for the education on a year-for-year basis. A college degree is preferred.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Environmental Conditions:
Office environment; exposure to computer screens. May require working in an outdoor rail environment at times in support of system testing and data collection activities.
Physical Conditions:
May require maintaining physical condition necessary for sitting for prolonged periods of time.
EEOC Code: 02
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